Almah-Motion

AFM Records
2012

Almah originally started out as a solo project of Angra vocalist Edu Falaschi. For those of you not familiar with Angra they are a long-standing progressive power metal outfit from Brazil. In fact next to Sepultra they are arguably the most well-known heavy metal band to originate from Brazil. While Edu Falaschi might have intended for Almah to be a solo project when he put everything together back in 2006 by the time 2008's "Fragile Equality" was released it had morphed into an actual band. Also, unlike the progressive power metal that Angra does so well this band has more of a modern metal feel. The sound is flat out heavy and seeing as the album was recorded with 7-string guitars, tuned a half-step down (B flat) along with layered rhythm guitars things are technically savvy in addition to slaying. Falaschi's Angra band mate Felipe Andreoli handles bass duties offering plenty of crisp and crunchy riffs. Joining the pair is Berkley-graduated guitar wizard Marcelo Barbosa (Khallice, Dark Avenger), drummer Marcelo Moreira (Burning In Hell) and technical guitarist Paulo Schroeber (Fear Ritual, Dies Irae, Astafix). Falaschi has yet again chosen to surround himself with top-notch musicians and the result speaks for itself. "Motion" is simply a stellar heavy metal album in every sense of the word. Musically you hear tiny bits of Falaschi's other band Angra as well as some of the group's earlier influences like Helloween, Kamelot, Dream Theatre and Masterplan. But those previous albums have nowhere near the serious heavy appeal of "Motion". Here we are talking about Pantera like gargantuan riffs. Fast and furious solos compete with modern metal in a battle to the death. The band worked hard to reach a balance of "heavy, modern metal and beautiful, catchy melodies". Edu Falaschi has certainly achieved that goal and then some. Here you have a group that pulls in the sounds of Pantera and even Alice In Chains while still sounding every bit as good as power metal acts like Blind Guardian. Yes, Almah sounds good at both ends of the spectrum and even if my description sounds odd the impact this album has should bring some attention to Falaschi and his band mates.